After being positively surprised by the Varun electric mountain bike I also decided to try the “walking” model with low Stand Over, ideal for women but also for anyone looking for a practical and economical means of transport for urban travel and beyond.
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Varun C26-2 Sleeper
Engine power | 250W 48V |
Maximum torque | 60-75 Nm |
Chassis | Aluminum Alloy |
Dimensions: | 183 x 63 x 102 cm |
Handlebar width | 63 cm |
Seat height from the ground | 85-105 cm |
Recommended rider heights | 155-195 cm |
Change | Shimano 7-speed |
Brake type | Front and rear disc mechanics 16 cm |
Display | 3.5″ monochrome LCD |
Fork | Hydraulics – Travel 8 cm |
Autonomy | 85 km (50km electric only) |
Weight | 28 Kg |
Charging time | 4 / 5 hours |
Maximum capacity | 150 Kg |
Battery | Samsung 40T 7.8Ah, 48V |
Pedal assistance | 0-3 Levels |
loader | 42V 2A |
Tyres | CST 26″ × 1.75″ |
impermeability | IP65 |
Price |
Assembly and Package Contents
The bike it arrived in a week from Varun's warehouse in Europe, perfectly packed with protective polystyrene and partially assembled. There are several things to assemble (handlebars, front, pedals, saddle, rear fenders and luggage rack). There is nothing particularly difficult and with a minimum of practicality it can be assembled in an hour with the tools provided.
Il accelerator kit which transforms the bike into full-electric and is optional although very convenient, which is why I installed it. Unfortunately its use in Italy is not legal, so use it at your own risk of a fine.
As always, I advise you to check the tightness of all the screws because even if it is checked by the factory in China, during the journey with vibrations, it is not uncommon to find how many screws are loose.
This is the contents of the package:
- Complete electric bike
- Charger (output 54,6V 2A)
- User Manual
- Accelerator kit
- Assembly tool kit
Design
La Varun C26-2 Sleeper It is a bicycle with a classic design, distinctly for touring:
- 50 cm standover which allows even those with poor mobility to get on the saddle easily.
- Rear rack to carry any small thing or mount a bag.
- CST All Terrain Tires
I tried the white version, but it is also available in black. The battery is secured by a lock (2 keys supplied) but can also be removed to be recharged at home and transported with the convenient integrated handle.
The dimensions of this version are generous (183x63x102 cm), the weight of 28 kg is average and guarantees excellent driveability even without the use of assistance. The saddle is adjustable, suitable for heights between 155-195 cm.
Excellent welds and robustness in general which allow it to be tolerated loads up to 150kg which is a higher value than the classic 120kg of the competition and which gives us a good indication of the general quality of the product.
Sul handlebars we find on the left, we find well positioned the on-board computer with 2″ display which shows all the information of our journey, the remaining battery; the controls for controlling the electric assistance, turning on the bike and the lights, are easily reachable with the thumb. It is IPX65 certified, so well insulated to be protected from lights and dust.
On the right side we also find the lever for the 7-speed Shimano gearbox, entry-level but precise and reliable. It is possible to install the accelerator kit supplied which allows you to use the "full electric" mode, which is not permitted by our highway code.
Performance and autonomy
La Varun C26-2 mounts a engine from 250W supported by a 374,4Wh battery that reaches the remarkable thrust of 60Nm (max 75), higher than the average of other products in this range and sufficient to climb slopes of up to 30° quite easily in assisted mode. I was surprised by the push, especially on flat terrain, given the small engine that falls within the legal limits, but which provides prompt and effective assistance after the first pedal stroke
In my tests I also faced much more demanding climbs than expected and the assistance always gave discreet support without ever going into protection.
We have available 3 levels of assistance which interrupt assistance when the following speed is reached: Level 1 at 15km/h; level 2 at 20km/h; level 3 at 25km/h.
The thrust is also managed well and offers progression but as in all e-bikes like this one with a speed sensor, we have a small initial void which can be problematic when starting uphill but which is easily compensated for with the manual accelerator if you decide to mount it.
Overall theWhole electric assist system works very well and it provided me with the necessary help to ease the effort of pedaling even uphill over 30 ° it is still necessary.
La 7,8Ah battery it recharges in about 4 hours and “should” guarantee a range of 85km with a 75kg driver at 15km/h. In my tests which were not at all thrifty so with maximum assistance and often challenging climbs, I managed to cover them at least 40 km on one charge, therefore sufficient for urban journeys.
👉 Check out ours video review
Comfort and safety
La Varun C26-2 It is a touring bike but it is appreciated both on asphalt roads and off-road thanks to the hydraulically suspended fork with an excursion of 8 cm and the wide ones knobby tires (1,95″ wide). So the ride is comfortable on rough terrain but also on potholed roads.
Il braking system It is a mechanical disc brake, both front and rear, with 16 cm discs that generate a firm braking in case of emergency, but also quite modulable in normal conditions. Even downhill or at high speed, the bike stops in a reasonable distance.
Speaking of security it is right to mention the the integrated LED light on the front, powerful and adjustable. Also on the rear we find a position light powered by the battery and which does NOT function as a brake warning light. There is no shortage of reflectors placed on the spokes of the wheels which increase passive visibility.
Varun C26-2 – Conclusions and Price
La Varun C26-2 It is an electric bicycle for touring and trekking that does not stand out for its great autonomy but is appreciated for other peculiarities.
La above average torque makes it suitable for steep climbs or “heavy” drivers. very low standover which makes it suitable for all ages and physical conditions. The suspension fork and knobby tires guarantee great versatility.
The quality-price ratio is amazing thanks to the list price of only €649 including shipping from the warehouse in Europe.